Troublesome Houseplants for Novice Gardeners: These Hard-to-Maintain Species May Perish in Your Horthicultural Education Process
For those embarking on the journey of indoor gardening, success hinges on choosing plants that suit one's abilities. Beginners are advised to steer clear of high-maintenance varieties and instead opt for easy-to-care-for alternatives. Here are five houseplants experts recommend avoiding when starting out.
Calathea
Horticulturalist Michael Clarke warns against Calatheas, also known as peacock plants. Striking leaves and captivating color palettes can be misleading, as these plants require excellent water quality, specific light levels, and optimal humidity for growth [3]. Instead, new gardeners might find more success with a monstera, a hardy and fun-loving plant.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs, while beautiful, demand consistent moisture and high humidity, making them challenging to maintain indoors. Weeping figs, on the other hand, are hard-to-kill houseplants that are more suitable for beginners [1]. Once gardeners gain some experience, they can attempt to care for a fiddle leaf fig.
Alocasia
Plant enthusiast Tammy Sons advises against alocasias due to their susceptibility to wilting under small environmental modifications [2]. Beginners are recommended to opt for pothos, an easy-to-care-for alternative.
Orchids
Despite their popularity, orchids are indeed one of the worst houseplants for beginners. These plants require specific conditions that typically exceed the capabilities of a beginner's indoor environment [1]. Peace lilies, however, provide beautiful scented blooms and are excellent low-maintenance alternatives.
Gardenias
Gardenias are high-maintenance plants that require bright light, cool temperatures, high humidity, and are often prone to pests [1]. Jasmine offers a simpler and more forgiving alternative featuring mesmerizing scented blooms.
In contrast, there are several houseplants that make excellent choices for beginners. Three beginner-friendly picks include:
- Snake plants, which boast hardiness and low maintenance, making them perfect for novice plant enthusiasts.
- The Little Botanical monstera, a pre-grown cute and lovable addition to your indoor garden.
- Corn plants, or Dracaena Lemon & Lime, an easy-to-care-for tall indoor plant that adds an elegant touch to any room.
For aspiring plant parents, it's essential to keep in mind that not all plants are created equal, and it's vital to choose starter plants that can withstand the learning curve associated with indoor gardening. As you grow your indoor garden, ensuring proper houseplant care will set the stage for a thriving urban jungle.
- Calathea, known as peacock plants, are not ideal for beginners due to their need for excellent water quality, specific light levels, and optimal humidity for growth.
- Fiddle leaf figs, despite their beauty, are difficult to maintain indoors because they require consistent moisture and high humidity.
- Alocasias are not recommended for beginners because they wilt easily under small environmental modifications.
- Orchids, while popular, are one of the worst houseplants for beginners as they require specific conditions that typically exceed a beginner's indoor environment.
